The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap, has temporarily relieved the commanding officers of the affected commands along the Lagos-Seme border corridor of their duties following online reports alleging extortion by personnel of the service.

Nandap also ordered an immediate investigation into the incidents.

The service, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, said Nandap “unequivocally condemns the actions depicted in these reports, as such conduct is unacceptable and stands in direct violation of the core values, ethics, and operational standards of the Service.”

The statement did not specify the number of officers suspended or identify the commands affected, but said the investigation was directed at identifying “all officers involved” to ensure “appropriate disciplinary measures are applied with immediate effect.”

The Lagos-Seme corridor, which links Nigeria to the Republic of Benin at the Seme land border in Lagos State, is one of the busiest and most strategically significant entry and exit points in West Africa.

The route handles heavy volumes of commercial goods, cross-border traders, and travellers, and has long been a pressure point for complaints of harassment and extortion by border officials.

The Buhari-led government shut the border between 2019 and 2020 as part of a crackdown on smuggling and unauthorised cross-border movement, a closure that drew significant economic criticism before it was eventually lifted.

Allegations of extortion along the corridor resurfaced recently through online videos and reports that drew public attention to the conduct of immigration personnel stationed there.

Nandap, who assumed office as Comptroller-General in January 2024, had earlier said her tenure would be marked by discipline and public accountability.

At the decoration of newly promoted comptrollers earlier this year, she charged officers to uphold the integrity of the service.

In Friday’s statement, the service said it is committed to “professional, transparent, and efficient services at all points of entry and exit,” adding that it “will not condone any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the integrity of the Service.”

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains resolute in its mission to serve with integrity, discipline, and professionalism while facilitating lawful migration,” the statement added.

It urged members of the public to report misconduct through the service’s official social media channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook, all under the handle @nigimmigration, or via its 24-hour contact centre lines: 09121900655, 09121556359, and 09121477092.

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday confirmed that terrorists and military personnel were killed when insurgents launched a coordinated attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The military, however, did not confirm or debunk reports that the Commander of the 29 Brigade, Brig Gen Oseni Braimah, was among those killed in the incident.

The Chairman of Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, Zanna Ajimi, however, claimed that the brigade commander was among those killed in the attack.

“Yes, we just left the military base now, and I can confirm to you that the brigade commander is among the casualties,” Ajimi told journalists.

Residents also reported that the insurgents attacked the base with sophisticated weapons, set combat vehicles ablaze, and burned shops near the military formation.

A resident, Musa Aji, said, “They didn’t just burn military vehicles; shops that are by the roadside were also set on fire. As of this time, we have yet to hear about the death of any civilian. But we heard soldiers were killed.”

Efforts to reach the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Sanni Uba, were unsuccessful as calls were not answered.

In a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Michael Onoja, the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brig Gen Oseni Braimah, responded with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat.

“In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation Hadin Kai came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.

“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brig Gen Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.

“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission,” the statement read.

The Defence Headquarters described the attack as a sign of desperation by insurgents who had suffered significant losses in recent operations, adding that the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers.

“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation,” the statement added.

The military also disclosed that clearance operations were ongoing to track fleeing insurgents and prevent them from regrouping.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed deep sadness over the killing of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, in a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State.

He described the fallen troops as “unforgettable and irreplaceable” heroes.

In a statement issued Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the courage of the soldiers who, he said, fought valiantly to prevent Boko Haram from overrunning the communities under their protection.

“I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country today in Borno State.

“The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain,” the President said.

Tinubu framed the attack as an act of desperation by a weakened insurgency, saying the military had been conducting sustained land and air offensives that had neutralised many fighters and commanders.

He said, “From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralising many of their fighters and commanders.

“The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation.”

The President urged the military high command and frontline troops not to be discouraged, promising continued government support in equipment and welfare.

“Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism.

“The government will always stand by the Armed Forces, provide more of the equipment needed and ensure the welfare of all who risk their lives for our safety,” he said.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians and the media to rally behind the military, cautioning against any conduct that celebrated or condoned attacks on troops.

“I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry.

“We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable,” he said.

The President extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the state to achieve “total victory and lasting peace.”

The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains safe for residents and visitors, even as the United States ordered the evacuation of non-emergency staff and their families from its embassy in Abuja.

While the US cited security concerns across 23 states, the Federal Government, on Thursday, insisted that Nigeria continues to maintain a stable security environment and urged citizens to remain calm.

Earlier on Wednesday, the US Department of State authorised the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from the US Embassy in Abuja, citing a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria.

The embassy also closed for visa appointments in Abuja, asking applicants to check their email for details on rescheduled appointments.

The statement posted on its website, however, said visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos would continue.

It added that American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.

In an updated travel advisory posted on its official X account, the department said that, effective April 8, 2026, Americans should reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The advisory maintained Nigeria’s overall status at “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while designating several states as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

States listed under Level 4 include those in the Middle Belt and northern parts of Nigeria.

The advisory urged US citizens to avoid travel to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Jigawa and northern Adamawa, due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

The department also highlighted Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara states as high-risk areas due to unrest, crime and kidnapping.

In the southern and south-eastern regions, Americans were advised to avoid Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo and Rivers states — except Port Harcourt — over similar security concerns.

Altogether, about 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states are affected by varying levels of travel restrictions.

“The security situation in these states is unstable and unpredictable due to civil unrest, inter-communal violence, and armed crime, including kidnapping and roadside banditry,” the advisory said.

“On April 8, 2026, the Department of State authorised non-emergency US government employees and family members to leave the US Embassy Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation.

“Reconsider travel to Nigeria due to crime, terrorism, unrest, kidnapping and inconsistent availability of healthcare services. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning,” it added.

The advisory noted that violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking and kidnapping for ransom are widespread, adding that US citizens are often perceived as wealthy and may be targeted.

It also warned that terrorist attacks remained a threat nationwide, including in markets, shopping centres, hotels, places of worship and public gatherings.

The department further described healthcare services in Nigeria as limited and inconsistent, noting that medical facilities often fell short of US or European standards.

It urged US citizens considering travel to Nigeria to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Programme for updates, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and establish personal safety measures, including “proof of life” protocols.

The Federal Government, however, assured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains secure and fully operational following a United States travel advisory urging non-emergency personnel to leave its embassy in Abuja.

The US Department of State cited a deteriorating security situation across Nigeria in its advisory, which also advised American citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

In response, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement issued by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, said the advisory did not reflect the overall security situation in Nigeria.

Idris described the US decision as a precaution based on internal protocols rather than an indication of widespread insecurity.

The minister added, “While we acknowledge isolated security challenges in some areas, there is no general breakdown of law and order, and the vast majority of the country remains stable.”

He pointed to ongoing security operations across multiple regions, noting that coordinated military action, intelligence-led interventions, and closer inter-agency collaboration have produced measurable results.

“Our security agencies remain actively engaged in protecting lives and property, and the results of these efforts are increasingly evident,” he said, adding that these efforts had disrupted criminal networks, limited the activities of armed groups, and improved safety in vulnerable communities.

The minister also emphasised that Nigeria continues to welcome business, investment, and travel.

While recognising the right of other countries to issue travel advisories, Idris urged international partners to seek accurate and current information.

“We encourage our international partners to continuously engage with Nigerian authorities to obtain a more comprehensive and current understanding of the situation on the ground,” he said.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining security improvements, safeguarding citizens and visitors, and maintaining Nigeria as a safe and welcoming destination.

The latest advisory by the US embassy is not the first in Nigeria.

In October 2022, the United States Embassy in Abuja issued an updated travel advisory for Nigeria, citing a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Abuja.

The advisory warned U.S. citizens against travelling to the capital at that time and urged those already in the city to consider departing using available commercial options.

The notice followed a series of decisions by the U.S. Department of State.

On October 25, the Department authorised the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members from Abuja.

Two days later, on October 27, it ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees due to the same heightened risk of terrorist attacks.

As part of the measures announced, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja limited its operations to emergency assistance for American citizens, while the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos took over the provision of routine and emergency services.

U.S. citizens who were unable to secure commercial travel arrangements were advised to contact the consulate in Lagos for assistance.